A Chance Encounter with a Humble Farmer

So, this is the story of how I became the faithful Farmer Babe to our Humble Farmer. Thinking it best to start from the beginning, before I begin to blog the actual physical work that I (and we) do on the actual CSA property and the commitment that we have to our CSA family, this story starts with the chance encounter of two people that fell in love and decided to raise chickens (and vegetables) together using reverent, environmentally-sound, natural practices.

Online dating can be tricky. Considering myself somewhat of an expert, however, I decided to place a personal ad in the late fall with the goal of meeting someone new. I knew exactly what I was looking for in a partner; certainly I've dated enough during my thirty-six years of life to know exactly who I am and who I'm suited for. What I found during that chance encounter late one fall afternoon, however, was beyond my wildest expectations. We met for coffee and conversation, and quickly realized how much we had in common. He mentioned that he is an organic farmer--I, having spent time doing public relations work (and good old-fashioned hands-on farming) for a Community-Sponsored Agricultural venture (CSA) back in western New York, quickly told him of my related experience. We instantly began a conversation about his CSA, and within a short period of time, I received an invitation to use my skills on his farm, which I readily accepted. It was also obviously apparent that there was more between us than just a mutual interest in organic farming; we began dating, and eventually fell deeply in love. So what started as a casual date, has developed into a lifetime commitment to each other, to building our community, and to the planet at large through a mutual commitment to sustainable agriculture.

Of course, before we fell in love and began our journey to happily ever after, I had to pass two litmus tests. First, I had to meet the Humble Farmer's son...a bright, affectionate, funny, creative fifteen-year-old that easily won my heart (and I, his). I passed that initial introduction with ease. Then it was on to meet "The Ladies"---the Humble Farmer's laying hens. Again, the future Farmer Babe passed with flying colors...the ladies were smitten with the pink trim on my hiking boots and readily came up to my feet to greet me. He seemed rather pleased that the ladies accepted me so quickly, and at that point, I had an inkling that there were real possibilities between us.

Funny how those feelings bubbled up in me while I was standing in the midst of a flock of chickens, collecting eggs, and watching that very tall man pick up and talk to one of his hens face-to-face (I've since taken to calling him the Chicken Whisperer from time-to-time). The way that the hens responded to him was incredible. Humble Farmer has since explained that he has no rooster on the farm, so indeed, he is the rooster of the hens---and that is readily apparent in the way the hens respond to his presence as their leader. It didn't take long for me to follow him with the same amount of respect and reverence for him either. A strong, yet gentle man that knows who he is and is able to cultivate the best in everything...that is my, our, Humble Farmer. I am proud to be his faithful Farmer Babe---a name given with love to me, by him.